• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

  • Home
  • Advertise
    • Advertise in One or All of our Magazines
    • Advertising Payment Form
  • Print Subscription
  • Digital Subscription
    • Subscribe
    • Subscriber Login
  • Contact Us

Bringing Home Baby

October 22, 2013 by The Inside Press

Mason loves his canine “brother” Riley who always watches out for him. Photo by Ronni Diamondstein
Mason loves his canine “brother” Riley who always watches out for him. Photo by Ronni Diamondstein

By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein

My friend Riley, a Staffordshire Terrier, always walked with his owners Alysa and Bryan Paul. Then one day last summer Riley and the Pauls started walking with a stroller and a little baby named Mason. This excited me, because I love babies. When I was a puppy my owner took me to meet humans of all ages, including little babies, but I had never lived with one. So I decided to ask Riley what it was like and if his owners did anything special before the baby Mason arrived.

Riley told me he had been well trained and had learned boundaries in his home before the baby came to live with them.  Now he was happy to have his new brother. The Pauls got advice from Riley’s trainer Gary Pietropaolo, and I listened carefully when they told my master 
about it.

“Safety comes first,” said Pietropaolo. “Know your dog and whether the dog, especially an older one, will be able to adapt to a baby in your home.”  He told them that it may be necessary to call in a professional, who will work with your dog to reinforce the rules in your home and your position as pack leader. “There are a lot of dogs in shelters because they are not good with children,” said Pietropaolo.  I didn’t like to hear that, but I knew it wouldn’t happen to me or Riley.

Besides training, Pietropaolo told them to get Riley used to the sound of a baby.  “Try to have a friend or neighbor bring over a baby. The dog needs to be acclimated to the sound of a baby crying.” There are CDs with baby sounds and even some on You-Tube.  Riley watched Bryan set up the baby’s crib and sniffed it. It also helped to turn on the baby swing and have Riley sniff baby lotion too. Once he got used to the changes and smells, Riley was ready for the new addition to the family.

Before they brought Mason home, Bryan took Riley into the nursery. He dressed a Teddy Bear toy in one of Mason’s Onesies and wrapped it in a blanket so Riley could get used to the smell. Bryan held the teddy bear in his arms just as he would hold the baby.

Soon after that Alysa and Bryan brought their newborn home.  Alysa came inside first and let Riley smell Mason on her and know that something was different. Bryan followed with the baby.  Following Pietropaolo’s advice, they had Riley sniff the baby’s feet first.  The trainer had told them that it was important always to be in the room with Mason and Riley. “My concern is accidental injury,” said Pietropaolo, stressing that they should keep a leash on Riley, even in the house.

At first Riley wondered if the new baby would take a lot of their attention away, but it worked out fine.  Riley told me that his owners still spent time alone with him every day and took him for walks without the baby.  He still felt a lot of love from them.  Not only is Riley good around his baby brother Mason, but Mason is also good around Riley. Mutual respect has to go both ways. And some mutual admiration, too.

Whenever I see Riley he is right beside Mason’s stroller and happy to have the company of Mason and his owners Alysa and Bryan.  They are one happy family.

For more information on bringing home babies go to www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/preparing-your-dog-new-baby

Contact Maggie Mae Pup ReporterTM at maggiemae10514@gmail.com

Maggie Mae lives in Chappaqua with her adoring owner Ronni Diamondstein, who, when she isn’t walking Maggie is a freelance writer, PR consultant and award-winning photographer who has worked in the US and abroad.

Filed Under: Maggie Mae Pup Reporter Tagged With: children, Dogs

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Chappaqua Teen is a Recipient of the 2022 New York State Senate Youth Leadership Recognition Award
  • Virtual Cooking Class on Preventing Osteoporosis from Northern Westchester Hospital: July 12
  • Chappaqua Library Centennial Celebration Emphasized Symbols for Growth and Endurance
  • New Castle Stands Against Gun Violence in Rally Also Urging National Changes
  • Byram Hills High School Juniors and Seniors Honored at Awards Ceremony
  • Athletic Conditioning with Club Fit’s Mat Rios

Visit Our Sponsors

Wallauer
Houlihan Lawrence – Armonk
Houlihan Lawrence – Chappaqua
Houlihan Lawrence – Pleasantville
Caramoor
William Raveis – Chappaqua
William Raveis – Armonk
Northern Westchester Hospital
Compass: Miller-Goldenberg Team
Houlihan: Kile Boga-Ibric
Phoenix Festival
Eye Designs of Armonk
Douglas Elliman: Generic

Westchester Business Center
CareMount Dental
Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

Follow our Social Media

The Inside Press

Our Latest Issues

For a full reading of our current edition, or to obtain a copy or subscription, please contact us.

Inside Armonk Inside Chappaqua Inside Pleasantville

Join Our Mailing List


Search Inside Press

Links

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Digital Subscription
  • Print Subscription

Footer

Support The Inside Press

Advertising

Print Subscription

Digital Subscription

Categories

Archives

Subscribe

Did you know you can subscribe anytime to our print editions?

Voluntary subscriptions are most welcome, if you've moved outside the area, or a subscription is a great present idea for an elderly parent, for a neighbor who is moving or for your graduating high school student or any college student who may enjoy keeping up with hometown stories.

Subscribe Today

Copyright © 2022 The Inside Press, Inc. · Log in